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LILY ELIZABETH MCWHINNEY
Born: Oct 28, 1931
Date of Passing: Jul 31, 2025
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryLILY ELIZABETH MCWHINNEY
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our dear Mom, Gramma, Baba, Auntie, and friend, Lily. She reunited with her soulmate, Glenn, early Thursday morning, July 31, 2025 at the age of 93.
Lily leaves behind her five devoted children, two cherished grandchildren (who were the lights in her life), and a wide circle of family and friends whose lives she touched in countless ways.
She found joy in life’s simple pleasures and lovely treasures. The thrill of a garage sale discovery – she had an amazing eye for beautiful and valuable items; the music that stirred her soul – from Andre Rieu to Freddy Mercury, her loves were vast and many. Although Lily spent most of her life in East Kildonan, her heart was always in the North End. She knew every street corner and storefront and had many great stories of her childhood. She was so proud to have graduated from St. John’s Tech along with many notable folks from over the decades. Mom would say, ‘We’re practically related!’ about any fellow North-Ender.
Her first job was with the Income Tax department and she had many fond memories and friendships from her time there. She also worked at CN prior to marrying the love of her life and starting their family. She rejoined the workforce at Canada Safeway when her kids were all grown and retired from there with distinction. She was well-loved and customers would often wait in her line just to chat and see her smile. Her warmth, humour, and unwavering love will forever echo in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.
The family will hold a private graveside service later this summer. In remembrance of Lily’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made in her name to Siloam Mission, 300 Princess Avenue, R3B 1M3, info@siloam.ca or to your favourite charity.
“Onward and upward!”
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 09, 2025
Condolences & Memories (14 entries)
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I just learned of Lily’s passing and want to wish you all my deepest condolences 💐. I was so fortunate to know her and experience the warmth and kindness she shared so willingly. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. God speed Lily 💕 - Posted by: Judi Bauer (Friend) on: Aug 18, 2025
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Sending condolences to the entire family and everyone who had the privilege to know Auntie Lil. She was always so kind and sweet, taking a genuine interest in all that I, as a young child, had. Whether it be searching through her seashell collection, looking through her garage sale treasures, or heading over on Christmas Eve for a visit and Ovation Mint Sticks, my memories of her are fond. Sending love, comfort and hugs to the entire family during this difficult time. 🤍 - Posted by: Lindsay Bubnick (Great niece) on: Aug 13, 2025
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Mrs McWhinney was one of my favourite ladies to see over the years. Whether I saw her at Safeway, your family home or at a garage sale in the neighbourhood she always took the time to have a little chat. Mrs. McWhinney was curious about what was up with me and she had a great sense of wit. She was obviously a great mum and over the years, I often marvelled at how she got Bruce and Jeff to wear toques in the winter. Every other kid in the neighbourhood was just way too cool to keep their ears warm. My heart is with you. I don’t think we ever really get enough time with our mums. - Posted by: allyson (family friend) on: Aug 12, 2025
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My grandparents lived next door to the McWhinneys on Hazel Dell and my Mom, brother and I lived there for several years when we were young. Mrs. McWhinney was always so generous and friendly and made us feel welcome in the neighbourhood. Peace and condolences to Bruce and the whole McWhinney family. - Posted by: Rich Gillis (Fleming) (Former neighbour and family friend) on: Aug 10, 2025
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To the McWhinney family, our sincere condolences, your mother was a beautiful person, always had a smile. Hugs to all - Posted by: Robert and Joelle Poirier (Friend of family) on: Aug 09, 2025
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Our condolences to the whole McWhinney family at this sad time. Mrs. McWhinney was a kind soul and guiding light for me when I was young. Many a summer day she fed me, included me on family outings and nudged me to make good choices while I hung out with Paul and my Mom was working. Mr. McWhinney was equally influential and I’m forever grateful to both of them. - Posted by: Grant Warner (Friend of Paul) on: Aug 09, 2025
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Dear Leah, Dear Rheal, We are thinking of you with much affection at this sad time. We wrap our arms around you and offer our sincere condolences at your loss. Louisa and Henry - Posted by: Louisa and Henry Ryz (Friends and neighbours) on: Aug 09, 2025
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We are very sorry to hear of your mom’s passing, may she RIP with your dad. 🙏🏻 - Posted by: Janet Johnson (Friend) on: Aug 09, 2025
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Lil was such a lovely lady, we first met when I was a young teenager working at Safeway. Little did we know that later on we would reconnect, becoming close friends with her son Bruce and DIL Kerry! I will always remember her kindness and her joy of sharing stories during our chats. She will be missed dearly. To the family; we are truly sorry for your loss. - Posted by: JENNIFER KING (Family friend) on: Aug 09, 2025
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Lil was one of a kind. In her presence, you couldn’t help but feel her warmth and love. She had a remarkable gift for making you feel like the most important person in the room and I know I’m not alone in feeling that way. To all who knew her, she was the very definition of love and kindness. Her memory will be cherished, and she will be deeply missed. - Posted by: Marnie Duna (Family friend) on: Aug 09, 2025
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Condolences on the loss of your mom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Cheryl, Karen & Andrew Zapisocki. - Posted by: Karen Zapisocki (Friend) on: Aug 09, 2025
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Leah and Rheal, we’re sending Condolences to the whole family at this sad time. May you have a treasure box full of memories of your mom that shine like jewels. She was such a sweet kind person. She was the mom everyone wishes was theirs. I’m grateful I knew her when I was young and then reconnected again when she was working at Safeway, where we had so many chats. Sending you and your family all of our love and support. Love Carol and Paul Dupuis. - Posted by: Carol Dupuis (Friend to Leah) on: Aug 09, 2025
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Growing up on Hazel Dell with the McWhinney family down the street has so many fond memories. Your mom was a kind and gentle soul, always with a smile and hello every time we walked by. Thinking of you all at this time. Sheryl and Family. - Posted by: Sheryl Mccartney {Mainella} (Neighbour) on: Aug 09, 2025
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Big hugs of love and comfort to the family. I will always have warm memories of “Aunty Lil” at family gatherings and at Safeway! - Posted by: Charlotte Kaisaris (Family Friend) on: Aug 09, 2025